Years ago when I lived in Michigan I worked at this hospital that had these amazing brownies with chocolate frosting. They used to park those suckers [all neatly wrapped in plastic wrap] right next to the cashier so you saw them when you were checking out with your boring chicken ala king. Yeah, just try to ignore those beauties, that chocolate frosting glistening right through that plastic. I worked night shift for 11 years. You know the 4:00 Pm lull you get everyday when you think you can’t hardly make it until 5:30? Well working night shift, it’s that 3:00 Am slump that is the equivalent. Let me tell you, there is nothing like a thick, rich, chocolatey brownie iced with frosting at 3:00 Am when you are draggin butt. Just add coffee and you’re good to go. I dedicate this brownie to all the Nurses and any other hardworking souls working grave yard shift out there- and you know with us Nurses- CHOCOLATE IS A FOOD GROUP.

2. In a medium microwave safe bowl: Combine the butter, and both chocolates and place in the microwave at 50 % power and melt the chocolate mixture starting at 1 minute-stop and stir, continue as needed at 15 second intervals; stopping after each 15 second burst to stir and check until the chocolate is melted. Let the chocolate cool slightly and whisk in the sugar until blended, then add the vanilla and salt. The mixture will look grainy; that’s okay. Mix in the eggs one at a time then the egg yolk, stirring after each addition. Add the flour and beat until the batter is thick and smooth; about 1 minute. Stir in the nuts if you like.

3. Spread the batter evenly in the pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the pan yields a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Make the frosting as below.

4. Lift the whole slab of brownies out of the pan using the sling to grab onto and remove the parchment paper from sides and bottom. Frost the brownies. Cut into bars.

Chocolate Frosting:

1 stick butter, softened

1/4 Cup cocoa powder, sifted

2 Cups confectioners sugar, sifted

1 tsp. vanilla

3 Tbsp. heavy cream+ more as needed

Place the softened butter in a mixing bowl. Add the cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla and heavy cream. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth. Add more heavy cream as needed to achieve desired consistency.